Aqualuna In The Zone With Sydney Debut

Nestled in Milsons Point is a luxury development which represented Zone Q Investment's first foray into the Sydney residential property market.

'Aqualuna' is a nine story, 63 apartment building which offers a harbourside location that provides a serene and tranquil escape from city living, while still allowing residents easy access to nearby amenities. The harbour foreshore, Kirribilli markets, Luna Park, North Sydney Olympic Pool and Sails restaurant are all within walking distance.

Aqualuna features a communal residence terrace and specialist lighting by Electrolight that was installed with the intention of making Aqualuna feel like a 'beacon' in Milsons Point, setting a new benchmark for luxury residences in this iconic village suburb.

Each residence was designed by Koichi Takada, with the wave-like building itself and interior schemes influenced by the natural flow of Sydney Harbour on Aqualuna’s doorstep.

The interior of the building contains natural, curved walls and organic forms. Open-plan living and dining areas flow onto generous balconies, which have been cleverly designed to provide privacy for residents, while not obstructing their views.

Downsizers, executives and investors are among the new apartment owners at the project.

Recently, Aqualuna was officially launched and saw 72% of its residences sold, with an exchange of contracts worth around $84,000,000. Zone Q Marketing Manager Danielle Baker said the company was delighted that buyers took to Aqualuna with enthusiasm, and was under the firm belief that their result showed what unique an offering Aqualuna truly was to the area.
Behind the scenes of the architect's process

Koichi Takada set out to design Aqualuna with the sun and moon in mind. He had a vision of two suburbs, sitting opposite each other with the glistening harbour between them. Circular Quay is the sun; a "picture-perfect, bustling beacon of light", and Milson's Point is the moon; "a peaceful retreat bathed in the borrowed light of the cityscape".

Zone Q said it's not often you'll find an architect so inspired by the natural world. Having created the interiors for One Central Park and East Village Retail, along with designing the new residential architectural icons Skye, Infinity and V by Crown Group, Takada has a reputation for creating buildings that defy logic and complement the surrounding environment.

According to Takada, Aqualuna was created with a philosophy of invisible design.

"When you come home, it shouldn't be about design – it should be about you.”

These words speak to the core of his design philosophy, that living should be pure, complementary and removed from ego.

"Your home should be a canvas for your personal style, you should create your own comfortable place to live in," he said.

“Nothing in nature is straight – it has gentle curves and an organic form,” Takada said.

His approach resulted in a new architectural language, where the outdoor and the indoor combine. It's luxury living with a human touch, where the character of the neighbourhood enters your home.

As well as the exterior architecture, Takada has designed the interiors himself – taking on the task with his keen eye for careful detailing and a deep understanding of how the local light and aspects play from every vantage point.

The result is 63 luxury apartments, each with their own unique touch – coexisting as an urban sanctuary near the water. The Harbour Bridge can be seen from corner views with glimpses of water reflecting colour across the living room. Pure and natural tones - white, pale blue and grey - are sensitive to light and designed to highlight the ever-changing sky. Curved walls mimic the ripples of the harbour, making these homes an organic breath of fresh air.

The Milson Point canvass

Takada fell in love with the North Shore, saying it was a magnet for people who want something quieter than Circular Quay.

"I wanted to build somewhere there was more of a village-feel, not touristy. Milsons Point was perfect because it's a genuine local neighbourhood.

"I want to capture the pure serenity of this unique location. It's like living in a picture-perfect postcard, with the Harbour Bridge right before you, and there are glimpses and vistas everywhere you look," Takada said.

"All around, you can find excellent coffee, eclectic restaurants and great shopping and fresh food markets –nestled between beautiful heritage scenery dripping in history. On your doorstep there are prestigious schools, beautiful parklands and great transport options."

Zone Q hopes that Aqualuna will become the recognisable architectural presence on the lower North Shore, with soft curves and linear detailing immediately catch the eye and reference the harbour beyond.

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